The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

The “Circle of Control” is how Stoics refer to things they can change or influence. Holiday explains that Stoics believe that the only thing one can fully control is one’s own mind; this is why understanding one’s reactions and managing one’s perceptions is so important to living a good life. Holiday paraphrases Stoic teaching by explaining that even one’s own body is not within the circle of control, since it can become diseased or imprisoned. Epictetus’s Discourses teaches that people can only control their “reasoned choice and all acts that depend on that moral will” (21).

The Discipline of Action asks people to consider their actions and the motivations behind them, as well as the possible consequences of their actions. Stoics teach that in order to behave properly, people must educate themselves, develop self-awareness, and embody Stoic virtues. Holiday explains that Stoics believe this approach will help make their actions “effective” (4).

Holiday defines the Stoic Discipline of Perception as “how we see and perceive the world around us” (4). Stoics believe that to achieve “mental clarity” (4), it is essential to challenge one’s perspective. For instance, if an unfortunate event occurs, Stoicism urges its observer to not attach any negative emotion or meaning to the misfortune, but to accept it as a part of life.